The latest expansion brings 14 new divisions, new Aces, new units, new unit art, and much more. That’s not all! A massive patch with a host of balance changes and updates has made its way to Steel Division 2, available to all owners. More details below!
Steel Division 2 Updates
As usual, the new expansion also heralds a host of improvements and updates affecting the base Steel Division 2. This giant patch is available for free for all owners of our game.
Commando infantry’s effectiveness has been toned down, especially those in the Allied Task Force, Groupement Dody, and SSB divisions.
Infantry’s Fall Back mechanic’s damage reduction has been tweaked. Retreating soldiers will be more prone to take damage, especially from tanks.
Sniper rifle DPS has been reduced by decreasing aim time and rate of fire.
Standardized 7.62mm HGM stats, updating the abysmal performance of some obsolete models.
Updates, improvements, and general balancing “love” to older divisions.
And much more!
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 celebrates Steel Division history, introducing 14 of the original Steel Division: Normandy '44 divisions to Steel Division 2. The battlegroups are updated to take advantage of the latter title’s gameplay mechanics, traits, unit design, and more. Not only that, the expansion also features a host of new Aces, unit art, etc.
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 contains 14 new divisions from five nations and 200 new units, including brand-new vehicle and plane models, voice acting, and new infantry model sets. The latest expansion will let players take the divisions solo, online, or cooperatively. Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 ships for €19,99, the same price as previous Steel Division 2 “Tribute” expansions.
Note, Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 does not contain new maps. These are planned for future expansions.
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 Insights
We have a handy forum post ready if you want to do some background reading or catch up on the many historical and gameplay insights we published on Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44. It links to all divisional Versus posts, units, backgrounds, new Aces, and much more.
We can’t wait to hear what you think of our latest expansion. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commanders!
v.120142: Patch notes
DATA FIXES
fixed SPITFIRE Mk. Vc/trop MITRALEXIS' skin which didn't appear as a specific one as it should
changed TF 45 & TF BUTLER's coat of arms with more fitting ones
fixed BUL's battlegroup filter being called "Breakthrough" (display issue only)
swapped HELLCAT I 250lb 1 500lb loadout's speed, so the light one one goes faste
fixed COMMANDO CMDR.'s number of smoke grenades from 99 to 3
fixed FS-JÄGER (ZF)'s wrong AT trait's icon (display issue only)
fixed LORRAINE(f) 150mm's missing top view picture
fixed COMMANDO (N°10)'s Vickers K's accuracy on par with their CONVERTED RAF's counterparts' one
fixed PANZER M4-748(a)'s veterancy ratio on par with other M4A2
fixed ISU-152's vet ratios so they don't get free vet2
fixed 75mm SP AUTOCAR M3's unit category from Recon Tank to Recon Vehicle
fixed some infantry units' size (GUASTATORI, various COMMANDO, ...) in regard with transport space
fixed GEB. STURMPIONIER's missing fuel tank for the flamer
fixed GEB. PIONIER's extra fuel tank despite no flamer
fixed US AB ENGINEER LDR.'s number of weapons (was missing one)
fixed French P-47F-22-RE with HE rocket not firing on Fire on Position order
fixed AB LEADER's overlapping weapon models
fixed 94-M ZIS-12's ammo loadout
fixed some missing/extra trait icons
fixed GOUMIERS ECLAIREURS' cargo size from Light to Heavy
fixed PZ.GRENADIER FÜH. (1941)'s weapon models' distribution
fixed GLIDER RIFLES' steath being the same as regular troops, and not Raider one.
fixed 61-K 37mm's different ammo consumption when firing against ground or air targets.
fixed SU-152's HP from 10 to 12, on par with other KV-based vehicles.
fixed regular US M1919 MMG's being airborne models.
fixed S. African & Polish STUART RECCE's speed on par with their other counterparts
renamed DRUŻYNA SZTURMOWA into the more correct FIZYLIERZY
renamed D-CA GR. SZTURMOWEJ into the more correct D-CA FIZYLIERÓW
renamed the (RSI) GUASTATORI CMDO.'s sniper ammo loadout
renamed the doublon (RSI) GUASTATORI CMDO. into PIONIERI CMDO.
renamed D-CA SAPERZY into the more correct D-CA SAPERÓW
replaced MARDER III H's F-22 gun with a German PaK 40 + price increased from 35 to 45
fixed ATF PATHFINDERS's cargo space
fixed COMMANDO LDR.'s number of smoke grenades
fixed FS-AUFKLÄRER's missing picture
fixed Lw-JÄGER's missing AT trait's icon
fixed STURMTIGER's weapon feedback
fixed M7 DD's NATO icon
fixed some Russian & Polish units & weapons' naming issues
fixed BL 5,5-inch 140mm's damages: its indirect HE damage were slightly too high while its indirect HE one were (way) too low. Both fixed at 7.
decreased HETZER & JAGDPANZER IV's aiming time from 3 to 4, on par with other enclosed TD
changed M-42 45mm's APCR round for a proper one fitting the gun stats. Currently, it had the one from 45mm tanks, with different aiming time, RoF, ...
removed the Radio trait from the S-African CARRIER 2-INCH, on par with other such vehicles.
fixed OST-TRUPPEN & KOSAKEN PIONIER's Mosin from Finnish to Soviet ones
removed/added some trait icons (display only)
fixed T.A. COMANDA's availability on par with German command StuG
fixed UNIV. CARRIER DSZK's availability on par with its Soviet counterpart
fixed 14.ID, 52.Sich. & Korück's IG 290(r)'s availability on par with other divisions
fixed MUSTAD MANTLID's number of displayed weapons
fixed British STUART VI's price from 25 to 30, on par with other nations
fixed British SP BOFORS' crew models
replaced B-71's 12,7mm MGs with proper ShKAS 7,62mm ones
fixed 194mm off-map salvo pattern
fixed M8 SCOTT's optics on par with open-top vehicles
(AG only) fixed JAGDPANZER IV FÜH.'s name (was called JAGDPANZER 38(t) FÜH.)
(AG only) fixed JAGDPANZER IV FÜH.'s gun (which wasn't the same as other JgdPz IV)
(AG only) fixed Hungarian Me-109G-6/R2's missing unit picture
(9GKC) fixed EMCHA's veterancy ratio being different from other M4A2
(Blindata) fixed German elite PANZER IV H's availability from 2/5/- to 3/6/-
(Dody) fixed TRACTION CMDT's veterancy from vet0 to vet2, on par with other commanders
(2Panc) fixed JU-88's veterancy pattern
GENERIC
changed Autoprotection's armor vallue based on ST tests
reduced the rate of fire of scoped (bolt & semi-auto) rifles
decreased recon BMW 750 with MG's price from 10 to 5
changed T-34/76 Obr. 1942's vet curve for a more generous one
standardized all s.FH 18 150mm's HP at 10
standardized all HUMBER Mk.III's HP at 8
standardized all KV tanks' HP at 12
standardized all PANZER 38's HP at 8
standardized JU-88D's veterancy ratios
standardized SHERMAN V's veterancy ratios
standardized all A-20's resilience
standardized all Fs.-GrWf 80mm's base availability at 4/8/12
standardized x96 cluster bombs' reload time (nerf for German SD2, buff for Soviet PTAB)
decreased TRIALCE's price from 10 to 5
new Motor Rifle models for British infantry
improved the performance of the following HMG: SCHWARLOZE, BREDA M37, M1919 & MG-08
standardized all LA-5FN fighter's availability at 3/6/9 vet0
renamed Soviet mortars from GRAN. to MINOMET
set all FIREFLY Ic's base availability to 4/8/12 in all divisions
increased 45mm APCR round's penetration from 100mm to 110mm
set all recon motorcycle with side-car & MG at 5. Some had been forgotten in previous patches.
increased Breda & M1919A4 HMG's price from 15 to 25
increased all nations' PAK 97/38's price from 30 to 35
set all IL-2M3 (132mm HE/FRAG rockets)'s price to 110
set all PE-2-83 (132mm HE/FRAG rockets)'s price to 125
set all PE-2-83 (82mm HE/FRAG rockets)'s price to 120
changed Pe-2 with AT rockets' availability from 1/2/4 to 2/4/-
increased MG.08's price from 20 to 25
increased SCHWARLOZE's price from 20 to 25
set all 150-155mm artillery observers in Jeep/Kubel's price at 160
fixed a few discrepancies with 8/16/24 pattern's veterancy ratios
decreased AT variant of ZiS-3's price from 45 to 40
increased M1A1 PACK & SKODA 75mm gun's damage from 1,52 to 2,2, on par with IG 18
AXIS
changed all GrW. 120mm mortars in all Fallschirdivisionen with its "Fs.-" variant with Radio
decreased PZ.GRENADIER (Schreck)'s price from 30 to 25
changed Fs.-PZ.ABWEHR's base availability from 3/6/9 to 4/8/- + price decreased from 35 to 30
changed M-10 152mm's base availability from 1/2/4 to 2/4/(6) + when 3 cards were available, decreased to 2
decreased CALARASI's price from 30 to 25
decreased VANATORUL DE CARE R-35's price from 20 to 10
decreased STUG III E's price from 35 to 25
decreased LUCHS' price from 30 to 25
decreased PANZER III H's price from 30 to 25 (including CV variant)
decreased OSTTRUPPEN's price from 20 to 15 + changed their weapons for Soviet ones
renamed KOSAKEN into REIT.-KOSAKEN
increased l.PaK 41 GERLICH's price from 35 to 40
decreased SDKFZ. 135/1's price from 60 to 55
increased PANZER 35S(f) FÜH.'s base availability from 2/-/- to 3/-/-
increased LW-JÄGER's base availability from 12/18/24 to 12/24/32
changed Fs-STURMPIONIER's G43 into MP-40, on par with other STURMPIONIER
add PUMA some APCR rounds + price increased from 45 to 50
decreased Fs-FÜHRER's price from 30 to 20
decreased MUNIWAGEN PANZER III's price from 50 to 40
decreased MUNIWAGEN T-34's price from 55 to 50
decreased BERGEPANTHER's price from 20 to 10
decreased SPW 221's price from 10 to 5
decreased SPW 221 PZB. 41's price from 20 to 10
decreased SDKFZ. 251/7's price from 20 to 10
decreased SDKFZ. 247's price from 10 to 5
decreased U304(f) PAK's price from 15 to 10
decreased recon BMW 750 with Solothurn's price from 15 to 5
changed T-34/76 Obr. 1942's vet curve for a more generous one
decreased PANZER 39H's price from 20 to 15
decreased Fs-PIONIER's price from 30 to 25
decreased LAFFLY V-15T's price from 10 to 5
decreased STUKA ZU FUSS' price from 155 to 140
increased STURMTIGER's HP from 10 to 12
standardized all MARDER II's HP at 10
standardized all S307 vehicles' HP at 6
decreased 7TP's MG range on par with other tank MG
decreased 7TP's price from 20 to 15
decreased VK.1081's price from 10 to 5
decreased SPW 234/3's price from 40 to 35
decreased Fs-GrW. Kz 81mm 's range from 3000m to 1800m + price decreased from 65 to 55
decreased (all) SOMUA S35's price from 25 to 20
changed BEWÄHRUNG's availability per card from 6/12/- to 8/16/-
changed PUMA's availability per card from 4/8/12 to 6/12/-
decreased SPW MIC (105mm) FAO's price from 90 to 75
changed (German & Hungarian) JU-88D recon plane's base availability from 4/8/- to 2/4/8
(Lehr) replaced JAGDPANZER IV with JAGDPANZER IV A-0, an earlier model with lesser front armor. Price/avail changed accordingly
decreased (all variants) PANZER VI J's price by -5
decreased KFZ. 4's price from 10 to 5
decreased GRENADIER (MG.099)'s price from 20 to 15
decreased (rocket) IAR 81c's price from 105 to 85
decreased PIONIERII CALARI's base availability from 9/18/27 to 6/12/18
increased ITA. FREIWILLIGE's base availability from 9/18/- to 12/24/-
increased BF-109 G-2/R2's base availability from 1/2/4 to 2/4/6
standardized all Fw-190A-8 fighter's availability at 3/6/9 vet0
standardized all MARDER III H & MARDER III F's vetarncy ratio
decreased BERGPANTHER's price from 10 to 5
decreased AUFK.PANTHER's price from 140 to 130
increased LORRAINE 150mm's price from 125 to 130
decreased HUMMEL's price from 130 to 125
decreased MARDER II's price from 55 to 50
decreased BF 109 G-2/Br 21's price from 115 to 110
decreased JRS 79/B1 (napalm)'s price from 115 to 100
decreased IAR-80M/BR 21's price from 100 to 85
fixed T.A. COMANDA's availability on par with German command StuG
added BEUTE FIREFLY the Radio trait on par with other recon Shermans
increased FÜSILIER's price from 25 to 20
decreased SDKFZ. 10/4's price from 45 to 35
(5Pz) add one card of 3/-/- IG.33
(5Pz) changed GRILLE's base availability from 1x card of 4/8/12 to 2x of 4/8/-
(12SS) add one card of JAGDPANZER IV A-0
(20Pz) added OPEL BLITZ as transport option to FK-288(r)
(21Pz) changed PAK 43/41 88MM for the same number of PAK 43 KRUPP 88mm (beware: the new ones have to be placed back in your deck)
(21Pz) decreased WURF. 35H(f)'s price from 130 to 120 + availabilty from /1/2 to -/2/-
(26Pz) change JAGDPANZER IV with JAGDPANZER IV A-0
(25PzG) add two card of 2/4/- FLAKVIERLING
(HG) no JAGDPANZER IV A-0 in this division (ANNULE LA LIGNE PRECEDENTE A CE SUJET)
(HG) replaced 1 card of of 4 of JAGDPANZER IV with JAGDPANZER IV A-0, as above.
(14ID) added one extra card of PAK 40
(14ID) added one card of A/B FK 231(f)
(14ID) added one card of A-only PAK 183(f) 47mm (= French Schneider 47mm in Romanian service)
(716ID) changed MARDER H39's base availability from 4/8/12 to 6/12/-
(1FJ) removed the 0 TANK slot
(1FJ) moved 4-pt's TANK slot to AIR tab
(1FJ) add one card of 2/-/- STUH 42
(1FJ) add one card of 3/-/- STUG M42 75/18
(1FJ) change JAGDPANZER IV with JAGDPANZER IV A-0
(4FJ) changed FS.AUFKLARER (Brend)'s availaibility from 4x cards of 3/6/9 to 2x of 5/10/15
ALLIES
added GRUPY SZTURMOWE's the Shock trait
decreased STRELSCZY (SVT)'s price from 20 to 15
increased COMMANDO (N°4)'s price from 25 to 30
increased COMMANDO (N°6)'s price from 30 to 35
added FFI CMDT a PIAT + price increased from 20 to 25
added AMMO. & PIONIER a Bazooka
increased (American) AB RIFLES from 25 to 30
decreased ACV-IP Mk.IIA's price from 10 to 5
decreased MMG CARRIER's price from 10 to 5
decreased CARRIER RAZVEDKA's price from 10 to 5
decreased CARRIER 12,7mm (Kiwi & Soviet)'s price from 20 to 10
decreased CARRIER DOUSHKA's price from 20 to 10
decreased STUART RECCE's price from 25 to 15
decreased GMC .50's price from 10 to 5
decreased WLA DT's price from 10 to 5
decreased BA-10 BTR's price from 10 to 5
decreased BA-20's price from 10 to 5
decreased BA-64B's price from 10 to 5
decreased HUMBER LRC Mk.III's price from 10 to 5
decreased M6 FARGO's price from 20 to 10
decreased GAZ-61 RAZVEDKA's price from 10 to 5
decreased WC-52 12,7mm (US & Soviet)'s price from 10 to 5
increased MATADOR SUPPLY (CW & Soviet)'s price from 40 to 50
increased AMMO & PIONIERS' price from 25 to 30
increased M15 HELLCAT's price from 50 to 60
increased ARM. LMG RIFLES' price from 25 to 30
changed AMMO & PIONIERS' availability from 6// to 3/6/-
changed M4A2's vet curve for a more generous one
changed CHURCHILL IV's vet curve for a more generous one
standardized all truck-borne BOFORS' HP at 7
standardized all FORD GPA's HP at 4
standardized all AUTOCAR M3's HP at 6
standardized M4A1 & M4A1 DD's veterancy pattern
changed CHALLENGER's veterancy pattern to be more generous
increased (American) AB ENGINEERS' price from 25 to 30
increased GMC .50' price from 5 to 10
decreased (all) recon M5A1's price from 35 to 30
decreased (all) non-recon M5A1's price from 30 to 25
decreased HONEY STUART's price from 25 to 20
decreased (all) CHURCHILL IV's price from 50 to 45
decreased (all) CHURCHILL VI's price from 55 to 45
decreased VALENTINE IX's price from 50 to 45
changed M6 280mm howitzer's base availability from /1/2 to 1/2/-
renamed Estonian "Kuulipildurid" squads into more proper AUTOMAATURID & AUTOMAATURITE ÜLEM
increased (AT rockets) HELLCAT I's price from 150 to 160
decreased HUMBER AA's price from 30 to 25
decreased (AT rockets) PE-2-83's price from 150 to 140
decreased HAUB. M.17 100mm's price from 75 to 65
decreased PROT M.38 50mm's price from 40 to 35
decreased MUSTANG MK.III's price from 115 to 105
decreased OSNAZ SAPERI's price from 20 to 15
added DESANT. SAPERI smoke grenades
added MUSTAD MANTII a DP-28 (back)
decreased STRELKY KOMROTI (PTR)'s price from 30 to 25
decreased DESANT. KOMROTI's price from 30 to 25
decreased DESANT. SAP. KOMROTI's price from 30 to 25
increased GORNO. AVTO.'s price from 20 to 25
decreased MORSKAYA SAPERI's price from 25 to 20
decreased SU-152's price from 70 to 65
decreased La-5FN (2x50kg)'s price from 125 to 110
decreased La-7 (50kg)'s price from 125 to 115
decreased Pe-2-83 (10x132mm HE)'s price from 140 to 125
added (AK) SAPERZY smoke grenades
decreased GRUPY SZTURMOWE (MG-42)'s price from 25 to 20
increased COMMANDO (N°4) ASLT's price from 20 to 25
increased MORRIS LRC OP (127mm)' price from 180 to 190
increased RANGERS' price from 20 to 25
decreased DEMOLITION GROUP's price from 35 to 30
decreased CMD M8's price from 40 to 30
decreased P-38 (6x110mm HE)'s price from 135 to 125
increased FUCILIERI CMDO's price from 30 to 35
increased ALPINI CMDO's price from 25 to 30
increased MARO CMDO's price from 20 to 25
decreased WC-25 HMG's price from 10 to 5
decreased COMMANDO D'AFRIQUE's price from 30 to 25
decreased FFO FUSILIERS' base availability from 12/24/32 to 9/18/27
decreased ZENISTE's base vailability from 9// to 6/9/-
decreased AVTOMATCHIKI (and all assimilated)'s base availability from 8/16/24 to 6/12/24
increased SAPERZY's base availability from 4/8/12 to 6/9/12
increased OSS LEADER's base availability from 2/4/6 to 3/6/-
increased SOE LEADER's base availability from 2// to 3//
decreased GUASTATORI's base availability from 9/18/- to 6/12/18
added DESANT. SAPERI some smoke grenades
increased SU-152's armor from 70 to 85mm + price from 70 to 85
decreased WC-52 HMG's price from 10 to 5
changed HUMBER Mk.4's availability from 5/9/18 to 6/12/18
changed DAIMLER ARMORED CAR's availability from 6/9/12 to 6/12/-
changed COMMANDO N°10's availability from 6/12/- to 5/10/-
changed (American) AB ENGINEERS' base availability from 6/9/- to 5/10/-
increased MOSQUITO FB VI (napalm)'s price from 115 to 125
decreased IL-4 (308mm rockets)' price from 135 to 115
decreased YAK-7B (82mm rockets)' price from 115 to 100
decreased LAGG-3-4 (napalm)'s price from 115 to 95
increased AB ASSAULT GROUP's price from 25 to 30
decreased (all CW nations) 4-man SCOUT with PIAT's price from 25 to 20
decreased ANICHNEFTIS' price from 25 to 20
added the STUDEBAKER as transport option for the M-30 12mm howitzer in all divisions where the truck is available
changed DESANT. RAZVEDKA's base availability from 2/4/6 to 3/6/9
changed COMMANDO N°4 (DEMO)'s base availability from 8/16/- to 6/12/18
changed NUEVE's base availability from 4/8/- to 6/9/-
increased HELLCAT I (227kg bombs)'s price from 135 to 140
decreased HELLCAT I (227kg bombs)'s speed from 50 to 525km/h
changed RAZVEDKA's base availability from 3/6/9 to 4/8/12 + when 4 cards were available, decreased to 3
changed all OSNAZ's SVT-40 to PPSh-43
opened vet1 as option for MAQUISARD
changed American RIFLES (Late)'s avail from 9/15/27 to 9/18/27 pattern
changed PRACINHAS' avail from 9/15/27 to 9/18/27 pattern
(TF45) fixed M1 155mm HOWITZER's veterancy ratios so it doesn't get any more free vet
(1ATF) removed all (ground) British troops from phase C, the British Airborne Brigade being only "on lend" for a short duration
(1ATF) changed 3-inch MORTAR's availability from vet0 4/8/12 to vet1 3/6/9, as other 3-inch Radio mortars
(SSB) restricted MORRIS LRC OP (127mm) to Emergency mode only
(6AB) changed 3-inch MORTAR's availability from vet0 4/8/12 to vet1 3/6/9, as other 3-inch Radio mortars
(CIABG) changed 3-inch MORTAR's veterancy from vet0 to vet1, as other 3-inch mortars
(2NZ) changed (Kiwi) 3-inch MORTAR's veterancy from vet0 to vet1, as other 3-inch mortars
(3CID) fixed RAM OP's veterancy ratios so it doesn't get any more free vet
(2eDB) removed PIONNIERS the FFI SDKFZ. 251/1 as transport option
(Dody) increased TIRAILLEURS LDR.'s base availability from 3/6/- to 2/4/6
(Dody) increased MONTAGNARDS LDR.'s base availability from -/6/9 to -/4/6, number of cards changed accordingly
(3GvTK) increased VALENTINE IX's number of cards from 1 to 2
(3GvTK) added one card of VALENTINE IX (note: replaces the other Valentine entry for this division)
(3GTK) add one card of SU-85
(10GTK) changed T-6 TIGR's base availability from 3/6/9 to 3/6/-
(26GSD) changed SU-85's availability from 4/8/- to 4/8/10
(184SD) fixed ISU-122's veterancy ratios
(Bezu) changed SU-88's base veterancy from 0 to 1
(1LWP) decreased SU-85's number of cards from 1 to 2
Tribute to Normandy '44 Divisions Revisited
Hello!
The release of our latest major expansion Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is imminent. Next week April 9th is launch day!
In today’s DevBlog, we’ll take a final look at all the new divisions coming to Steel Division 2 with the most recent in-game descriptions.
Let’s go.
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44
We celebrate Steel Division history with Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44. The major new expansion introduces 14 of the original Steel Division: Normandy '44 divisions to Steel Division 2, updating them to take advantage of the latter title’s gameplay mechanic, traits, unit design, and more. Not only that, the expansion will feature a host of new units, new Aces, unit art, etc.
Let’s look at each division as they will appear in-game, including their divisional insignia.
Allied Divisions
U.S. 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One"
The U.S. 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" was one of the first to ship to Europe in World War II. Its soldiers amassed valuable experience in amphibious assaults in North Africa and Sicily. The veteran division led the bloody landing on Omaha Beach, cementing its reputation for the rest of the war.
Representing the initial wave to hit the beach, Assault groups are supported by off-map 356mm naval guns. The battlegroup counts on many other experienced units, from weapon teams, mortars, and recon, to leader and AT guns. While the division’s combat soldiers are first-class, armor and supporting arms are more standard. Air cover is substantial, including P-38J fighter-bombers, P-51D fighters, and A-20G bombers.
The U.S. 1st Infantry Division "Big Red One" is an expert in assault operations thanks to its veteran soldiers, heavy artillery, and air power.
U.S. 4th Armored Division
The U.S. 4th Armored Division was one of the first “light” American tank divisions to be created in World War II. Kept in reserve during the initial fighting in Normandy, the formation’s armor was unleashed during Patton’s Operation Cobra, playing a crucial role in breaking the frontline and liberating Brittany.
The U.S. 4th Armored emphasizes speed over firepower, relying on Cavalry Scouts, M8 Cavalry armored cars, fast M18 Hellcats tank destroyers, and even an improvised Rosie the Rocketeer bazooka-equipped Piper L-4 Cub. After reconnaissance in force, the way is opened for follow-up M4(75), self-propelled M12 155m, and M30 armored supply vehicles.
The U.S. 4th Armored Division is closer to a swift mechanized battlegroup than a heavy tank force. Mobility, not brute firepower, will be the key to victory.
U.S. 101st Airborne Division
The U.S. 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” is one of the most famous American formations. Despite its inexperience and dispersed landings during D-Day, the paratroopers performed well. The division later saw action in Market Garden and famously during the Battle of the Bulge.
The 101st Airborne focuses on Airborne and Glider infantry squads with the Raider trait, which also applies to weapon teams, mortars, recon, leader, and AT guns. Among these are the Filthy Thirteen raiders with their infamous Mohawk haircut. With only light tanks and AA units, the division counts heavily on air forces for support. These come as the B-25C-20 Mitchell bomber, plus numerous P-51 and P-47D fighters and fighter-bombers.
The U.S. 101st Airborne Division relies on well-equipped paratrooper squads, which excel in urban combat or fighting on congested terrain.
UK Guards Armoured
The United Kingdom’s Guards Armoured Division was founded in 1941 by grouping various Royal Guards and Household units. Normandy would be the formation’s baptism of fire. While opposed by some of the most experienced German troops, the Guardsmen proved their mettle, especially during Operation Goodwood.
As His Majesty’s own, the Guards Armoured are lavishly equipped with the best the British Army has to offer. A heavy tank division, it can call on Firefly Vc, Cromwell, Sexton, Challenger, and Achilles armored vehicles, and even a Crusader Tractor. Artillery levels the playing field with Long Tom and BL 7,2-inch, bringing a serious amount of firepower to bear.
The Guards Armoured is a British steamroller that counts on plenty of heavy units. Slow-moving, it lacks light troops and can call on only limited air support.
UK 7th Armoured "Desert Rats"
The legendary 7th Armoured Division "Desert Rats” fought with distinction in North Africa. In 1943, Montgomery’s finest were recalled for rest and refit before shipping out to Normandy after D-Day. Here, compared to their previous exploits, the war-weary veterans performed less well on the cramped French battlefields.
The “Desert Rats” call on a high number of experienced units, some with the Battle Weary trait. The division’s tank force relies almost entirely on Cromwells, backed by a handful of Firefly Vc. Unique units include the Abbot of Chantry command tank, Desert Rats elite assault squads, and the Northern Irish recon tanks. Foreign Allied support is present with American M12 GMC self-propelled guns, Allied Belgian Spitfire LF Mk. IXc fighters and New Zealand Tempest fighters and fighter-bombers.
The 7th Armoured Division is an experienced tank battlegroup hampered by war weariness.
4th Canadian Armoured Division
The 4th Canadian Armoured Division played a crucial part in the break-out from Caen. The formation made military history when its South Alberta Regiment units closed the Falaise Pocket.
This Commonwealth battlegroup features a British Army TO&E but is mostly equipped with American-made materiel. A distinctive feature is its strong recon, fielding the Sherman V S.A.R. recon tanks, accompanied by Scout S.A.R. squads, both with the Tank Rider trait. The 4th Canadian Armoured can also deploy Otter Mk1 and Mk2 armored cars, plus Mot. Rifles (late) squads in C15TA wheeled APCs. Air support is provided by Canadian airmen in their Typhoon and Mosquito fighter and fighter-bombers, as well as U.S. P-38J fighters and B-26B-4-MA bombers.
The 4th Canadian Armoured Division is a balanced formation with potent tank, infantry, and artillery forces.
French Demi-Brigade SAS
The amalgamated Demi-Brigade SAS battlegroup covers the French special forces who dropped in the Brittany peninsula just before D-Day. Together with local French partisans, in a successful campaign, the SAS tied down as many German troops as possible. This lasted until Patton’s tanks joined up in the summer of 1944.
The DBSAS builds its strength over time, starting with light commandos and partisans, such as SAS, Jedburgh or FFI Franc-Tireurs squads. Select heavier FFI units, including a captured Jagdpanzer IV, Canon 47mm Mle. 1937, can deploy later with the first U.S. Army elements. Allied air power also grows, beginning with Lysanders and a handful of American P-47s to A-20G bombers, P-38J, and even the P-61A Black Widow.
The DBSAS is an elite but very light battlegroup with potent air support, needing time to wield its power on the battlefield.
Axis Divisions
1. SS-Panzer "LSSAH"
The 1. SS-Panzer “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler” started as the Führer’s personal bodyguard, eventually becoming a full Panzerdivision. Participating in almost all major World War II campaigns, later combat in Italy and the Eastern Front prepared it well for deployment to Normandy. Battle-mauled and in decline compared to its 1943 peak, the elite LSSAH could still count on plentiful experienced units and heavy equipment when countering the Allied landings.
The Axis tank division is well-equipped with Panther, Panzer IV, and StuG III G units, though it lacks lighter armored recon vehicles and air cover. The armored vehicles are backed by veteran LSSAH infantry in various roles, from recon to leaders and panzergrenadiers, all featuring the Fanatical trait.
The 1. SS-Panzerdivision “LSSAH” is a versatile armored division that can quickly switch between defensive and offensive operations.
2. Panzerdivision
The 2. Panzerdivision was one of the three original Wehrmacht tank divisions. With a long and illustrious combat history, the formation fought in almost all of the war's major campaigns. Sent for refit in France, after the D-Day landings, its forces were committed to the campaign one by one, where they were much feared by the Allies.
The paragon of the Panzerwaffe bestows one level of experience on all its core troops, but many can only deploy at set times. Heavy and new equipment include Puma armored cars, Jagdpanzer IV tank destroyers, Borgward IV remote-controlled bombs, plus the usual complement of Panzer IV, Panther, Gepard anti-air unit, and Hummel and Wespe self-propelled artillery pieces.
The 2. Panzerdivision is a powerful tank formation that needs time to deploy its full arsenal of heavy-hitting armored units.
9. Panzerdivision
The 9. Panzerdivision was created in 1940, taking part in the invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium, and France before ending up on the Eastern Front. In 1944, it was moved to France. After D-Day, the formation was belatedly transferred to Normandy, where it played no major part in the fighting, only to be nearly destroyed in the Falaise pocket.
The formation lacks half its assigned tanks, relying on recon and numerous light units. These include Luchs, as well as Sdkfz. 234/1 and 234/3, plus all remaining Aufk. Panzer I C and even two Tiger Es. Infantry is mixed, from regular Grenadier squads to second-line Grenadier (15W) and Kosaken.
The 9. Panzerdivision is closer to a mechanized infantry division, lacking heavy tank forces, instead balancing it with its infantry and recon units.
16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division
The 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division was formed from excess Luftwaffe ground personnel in 1942. Mostly untrained and lacking heavy equipment, the battlegroup’s brief Normandy career ended in Operation Charnwood, when it was wiped out, the remains absorbed by 21. Panzerdivision.
The division’s key feature is its light and Disheartened Luftwaffe infantry squads. Artillery is entirely equipped with Soviet F-22 76,2mm and M-30 122mm guns. A unique element is the heavy support by the attached s.Panzer-Abteilung 503 with its Tiger Es and even Köningstiger, plus a few captured 17-Pdrs and even a lone Panzerjäger Firefly. Equally impressive are its anti-air units, from the modern Flak 41 88mm to Flakzwilling 37mm and NAG 500 trucks with Drilling 15mm machine guns.
The 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division fields extremes, from unmotivated infantry to some of the hardest-hitting armored and anti-air units available.
Festung Groß-Paris
Festung Groß-Paris was a “Fortress” formation designated by Hitler to defend Paris at all costs - even if it meant the city’s total destruction. The ad-hoc battlegroup was formed around the second-rate 325. Sicherungs-Division, reinforced by Flak-Brigade 1 and retreating German formations.Engaged in the Paris Uprising, Festungs Groß-Paris surrendered on August 25th, and contrary to orders, leaving the city intact.
The battlegroup fields a large variety of infantry, from Ersatztruppen Paris to the elite “Das Reich” Panzergrenadiers and French collaborationist Miliciens. Armor is limited to a handful Beute tanks and Tiger Es, Panthers, and Jagdpanzer IVs. Supporting arms include the Beo-Fi 156C artillery observer for a 600mm Karl-Gerät super-mortar. Older FW-190A-3 fighters are joined by a massive armada of Ju-88 and Ju-188 bombers.
Festung Groß-Paris is a versatile Panzergrenadier-like division with a wide range of troops, from infantry to armor.
91. Luftlande
The 91. Luftlande-Division was created late in the war in 1944, envisioned to be airlifted into a combat zone after a first wave of airborne troops had cleared the way. Instead, it served as a small stationary occupation formation. During the Battle of Normandy, the 91. Luftlande-Division absorbed a slew of smaller units and detachments. Quickly isolated, the division was destroyed in the Cherbourg pocket.
The battlegroup features a motley assortment of units, from the LL-Schützen and elite Fs.-Jäger infantry to older Beute R-35, H-39, and B2 tanks, and Stug III G assault guns. Artillery includes NbWfr. 42 300mm, Wurfrahmen UE630(f), and K.390(r) 122m howitzers.
The 91. Luftlande-Division has access to a rarely seen combination of units, from paratroopers to captured tanks. With balanced infantry, artillery, and anti-tank units, its battlefield conduct is like that of a light mechanized infantry division.
716. Infanterie
The 716. Infanterie-Division was part of the 15. Welle (wave) of mobilization, grouping men unfit for campaign duty into static garrison divisions. Posted on the Atlantikwall, engaged during Allied landings, the division was all but destroyed after a week of heavy fighting.
The division’s core is composed of Disheartened 15W infantry squads. A wide array of other infantry, from Kanalwache scouts to Italian Frewille and Kosaken squads, deploys in support. The division’s utter lack of tanks is unique, with only a few mechanized units available, such as the SPW 233, Sdkz 135/1 150mm artillery, or S307(f) PAK and Marder I H39 tank destroyers. The fast AR. 234B-2 is available as an unarmed recon.
The 716. Infanterie-Division is a defensive battlegroup with few armored vehicles but able to field a mass of infantry backed by lots of artillery.
Some Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 insights
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 contains 14 new divisions from five nations and 200 new units, including brand-new vehicle and plane models, voice acting, and new infantry model sets. The latest expansion will let players take the divisions solo, online, or cooperatively. Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 ships for €19,99, the same price as previous Steel Division 2 “Tribute” expansions.
If you want to do some background reading or catch up on the many historical and gameplay insights we published on Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, we have a handy forum post ready. It links to all divisional Versus posts, units, backgrounds, new Aces, and much more.
Note, Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 does not contain new maps. These are planned for future expansions.
See you on the battlefield
In response to some of the community’s questions: Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is one of our “division-focused” expansions. We are actively working on the next Steel Division 2 expansion in which an extensive Army General campaign will take center stage - the Battle of Dukla Pass.
Don’t be shy, join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commanders!
Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Release Date!
Commanders, rejoice!
We are the bringer of good news. Our latest expansion, Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, will release into the wild - and in your eager hands - this coming April 9th!
Read on for more details.
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 coming soon
Celebrating Steel Division history with the Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44, our major new expansion introduces 14 of the original Steel Division: Normandy '44 divisions to Steel Division 2. All the divisions are updated to take advantage of the successor’s game mechanics and experience, bringing a host of new units, new Aces, art, and more.
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 features 14 new divisions from five nations and 200 new units, including brand-new vehicle and plane models, voice acting, and new infantry model sets. The latest expansion will let players take the divisions solo, online, or cooperatively. Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 will ship for €19,99, the same price as previous Steel Division 2 “Tribute” expansions. The store page will come soon.
Note that there are no new maps in this expansion (these will come in other planned expansions).
Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 contains
Let’s see what Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 has to offer.
Covering the Normandy campaign in 1944 from D-Day, June 6th, to the Liberation of Paris on August 25th, Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy '44 is a long-requested community expansion.
It features the Allied veterans of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, the famous 101st Airborne Division, and the 4th Armored Division. The Commonwealth forces bring the elite British Guards Armoured Division, the 7th Armoured Division “Desert Rats”, and the 4th Canadian Armoured Division. The French commandos from Demi-Brigade SAS wreak havoc in the enemy’s rear.
The Axis divisions include the 2. Panzerdivision, the feared 9. Panzerdivision, the dreaded 1. SS-Panzerdivision "LSSAH", the 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division, ad-hoc Festung Groß-Paris, the 91. Luftlande-Division, and the defenders of the 716. Infanterie-Division.
Over 200 new units, with 14 brand-new vehicle models, 3 new plane models, and many new infantry squads and unit variants, will be found in this expansion. Such as the Marder I auf 39H(f) tank destroyer, Flak 41 88mm AA gun, NAG 4500 Drilling heavy anti-air truck, the Canadian Wallaby heavy APC and Otter armored car.
Aircraft include the American A-20G and B-25C bombers, as well as the unique Rosie the Rocketeer bazooka-equipped Piper Cub conversion. New infantry models include 101st Airborne's famous Filthy Thirteen raiders, French SAS, and the Vichy-aligned Miliciens collaborationists. Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 also features new voice-acting, such as the Allied Belgian and New Zealander pilots.
No less than 8 new heroic Aces will be available, each deploying on the battlefield in a uniquely camouflaged or marked unit, including Sherman tank commander Creighton Abrams, paratrooper Lt.Richard Winters, Königstiger ace Kurt Knispel, or Fallschirmjäger legend Alexander Ulhig.
Some new insights
If you want to do some background reading or catch up on the many historical and gameplay insights we published on Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, we have a handy forum post ready. It links to all divisional Versus posts, units, backgrounds, new Aces, and much more.
We’ll keep it short and sweet for this one. More information will come soon. Excited about Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44? Share it!
Don’t be shy, join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
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See you on the battlefield, commanders!
Tribute to Normandy ‘44 New Aces
Hello commanders,
We hope you are well! In today’s post, we’ll return to one of Steel Division 2’s upcoming expansions, Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy 44. This DevBlog shows off some more tidbits about two new Aces to be featured, as well as some upcoming balance changes.
Some new insights
We already announced six Aces coming with Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy 44, as detailed in this DevBlog. As some of you shrewdly noticed, we missed one Ace from the original Steel Division: Normandy ‘44, belonging to a formation announced to ship with our new expansion. We are talking about the Axis tank commander Kurt Knispel. He served in the schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503, which will be attached to the 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division.
The reason we didn’t mention Knispel before was that we had an uneven number of Aces. We wanted to keep one in “reserve” before we had found a suitable Allied counterpart. A mission that has been accomplished!
So, let’s welcome 2 new Aces to the stage at Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44. This brings the total to 8 Aces!
Kurt Knispel
Though much less famous than Michael Wittmann or other Nazi propaganda darlings, Knispel is probably the greatest Panzer ace in military history. With 168 confirmed kills, which could rise to 195 if considering unconfirmed ones, he was quite unusual for a German tank commander. Not even a “true” German, but rather a Volksdeutsche born in Czechoslovakia in 1921 in Sudetenland before the Third Reich annexed it.
Unlike other commanders, he paid little attention to his kill tally, competition, or fame, in certain cases willingly leaving comrades to take credit. Neither did he care much for discipline, grooming standards, or dress codes (which can be noticed in some of his World War II photos). He sported long hair, a goatee, and wore custom-made re-trimmed uniforms, and was known to have assaulted a fellow German officer for mistreating Russian POWs.
Knispel was definitely not a Nazi poster boy, and despite his kill ratio, he never became an officer, remaining a sergeant up to the end of World War II. He died in the last days of the war, on the Eastern Front, when hit in the head by shrapnel standing in the commander’s cupola of his tank.
In Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, he will be featured with his Zimmerit-covered "101" KÖNIGSTIGER (P) available with the 16. Luftwaffe-Feld-Division.
David Vivian Currie
This new Allied Ace was not featured in the original Steel Division, thus exclusive to Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44. Currie ships as part of the 4th Canadian Armoured Division. Having joined the regular Canadian Army in 1940 as an officer, he won’t see combat until 1944. In the meantime, he managed to rise in the ranks to major. Currie commanded a squadron in the division’s reconnaissance regiment: the South Alberta Regiment.
Our Ace landed in Normandy in late August 1944, taking part in the last battles of the campaign. On August 18th, with only ten days of actual combat experience, Currie was given the military order that would ultimately secure his place in Canadian military history. He took command of a mixed force of infantry and tanks and led them in the path of the remaining Axis forces desperately trying to escape the Falaise pocket. Blocking the last exit for the Germans - and holding it until American troops from either side could link up - resulted in furious combat. Successful, Currie became "the man who closed the Falaise pocket.”
In Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44Currie will be featured as a COMMANDER with the 4th Canadian Armoured Division.
Upcoming Balance Changes
You might be happy to know that Steel Division 2: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 is almost done. We are now looking for a suitable release date, which we will announce shortly. In the meantime, the dedicated Strike Team will soon have the green light to stream the expansion’s content!
With the launch of the expansion, as always, we’ll also feature some changes (for all owners of Steel Division 2). The following are just a couple of examples:
We will tone down the effectiveness of Commando infantry, especially those in the 1st Allied Task Force, Groupement Dody, and SSB, including tweaking the latter’s division off-map support.
We are reducing the infantry’s Fall Back mechanic’s damage reduction. This means retreating soldiers will be more prone to take damage, especially from tanks.
We are reducing sniper rifles DPS by decreasing their aim time and rate of fire.
We are standardizing the 7.62mm HMGs stats: while some remain better than others, we want to fix the abysmal performance of some older models.
We will check and give some balancing “love” to older divisions that haven’t been touched in a while.
More changes will come. The above is just a short preview.
See you on the battlefield
That’s all for this DevBlog. We will be back in two weeks!
Don’t be shy, join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commanders!
A Small Update
Hello, hello!
Commanders, it is good to be back. We entered a bit of a “quiet time” when it comes to Steel Division 2, but that doesn’t mean we have some nice things to show.
Keep reading to find out more!
A brief update on Steel Division’s development
One reason for the temporary slowdown is that most of the EUGEN team working on Steel Division 2’s Cold War cousin WARNO. The major milestone for this game - GROUCHY - is nearing completion, and as they say in the industry, it’s all “hands on deck” to get it out of the door. Business as usual will return after this!
While things are moving slower, content for Steel Division 2 is progressing nicely. For instance, don’t forget that we have revealed the new Valley of Death map, thematically linked to the next Steel Division 2Army General expansion, the Dukla Pass. This map will be released for free to all owners of Steel Division 2.
However, we can show the good art progress and tweaked visuals related to the next “divisional expansion,” Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44.
All art for infantry cards is done and integrated.
All the new models and variants are finished as well.
Most of the model reskins have been done, including some airplanes that came out quite nicely!
We added a Belgian Spitfire after we detailed British 7th Armoured Division. One way to differentiate this division from other British battlegroups was to make its airforce multinational. The British Mitchell II bombers were escorted by Spitfires from the Allied Belgian RAF 349 Squadron, as they did in real life during the bombing of Caen in the 7th Armoured Division’s sector. Close support, for instance, will be provided by New Zealand Tempest fighter-bombers. Both planes have been reskinned to show proper squadron markings and national emblems and use correct dialogue acknowledgments.
Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus
If you want to catch up on Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, we have a handy forum post linking to all previous Versus posts detailing new Aces, and much more.
It also details all the good stuff you’ll be able to play with in Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, including 14 new divisions, new Aces, new units, and other goodies!
See you on the battlefield
As you know, Steel Division 2 blogs will now be published every two weeks. Until the next time!
Don’t be shy, join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
See you on the battlefield, commander!
Preview of New Valley of Death Map
Hello, commanders!
We are back again. You might have noticed a bit of radio silence, but rest assured, the Eugen team is hard at work on all things Steel Division 2.
We have some exciting details to share with you in today’s post - the preview of a new upcoming map for Steel Division 2, Valley of Death!
Let’s dig in.
The Valley of Death
The new Valley of Death will be the first of two new maps delivered for Steel Division 2. This was promised in our post-summer roadmap, which you can read here. Both maps will be free and released as soon as they are ready. The maps will act as a precursor to the next Army General expansion, the Dukla Pass (check out the details here).
You might think that the Valley of Death is a catchy name thought of by us, but as a matter of fact, it was a real nickname given to a small valley on the border between Poland and Czechoslovakia in the autumn of 1944. The Slovak National Uprising (talked about in this post here) was characterized by one big issue. When sprung, its inability to seize the Dukla Pass, to allow Soviet reinforcements to pour into Slovakia, doomed the uprising from the start. This pass, very narrow and heavily fortified by the Axis, allowed a few determined troops to hold out against many (like a Thermopylae of old).
With the Dukla Pass firmly in German hands, the Soviet plans to reach the Prešov and Košice basin - prime tank country - within five days turned instead into a bloody fifty-day meat grinder. The advance was barely half the way of the original plan. By then, although the Axis forces withdrew, the Slovak National Uprising had been crushed, with Soviet casualties being terribly high.
Forcing the narrow pass wasn’t the only issue. When Soviet units finally reached the end, thinking the worst was behind them, they brought up their armor for a breakthrough operation. However, instead, they faced fortified anti-tank defenses between Dobroslava and Svidnik (the location of our map) and local counter-attacks by Panzer forces.
The once pleasant valley was so littered with Soviet burning and destroyed tank hulls it got the nickname “Valley of Death.” Still to this day, as a reminder, T-34/85 watch over the old battlefield…
The Valley of Death’s Gameplay
The Valley of Death relies on the Svidnik’s real-life terrain height variations. A river splits the area. The actual plain follows the river’s path, creating enough space in its center for a village. You might imagine that most of the inhabitants work in the factory situated on a cultivated plateau on the opposite bank. Nearby farms benefit from rich soil, ideal for livestock farming. Forests are thick, with clear viewing lines.
The other side of the combat zone is defined by very large forests on small hills. Navigating through them is possible but carries risks. It’s easy to ambush a tank column with some well-aimed Panzerfaust shots of infantry hiding behind the trees. The four hills in this sector are on high plateaus, separated by a geological rift. Taking advantage of the rocky edges will give your units excellent sight lines, plus there are some patches of wood to find cover. It might be a vulnerable place, as it is one of the places to get to the enemy flags.
The clear lines of sight and the lightly forested areas are ideal for AA and anti-tank guns to be enplaced. Watch out, as heavy tanks can easily fall prey to well-camouflaged ambushes.
See you on the battlefield
Before we leave you, a short housekeeping note. To better accommodate our workload, we need a bit more time for each blog post. From now on, we’ll be moving to a Steel Division 2 DevBlog, every other week.
Don’t be shy, join the Steel Division 2 community on our Steam forums. The latest Steel Division 2 news can also be encountered on our Instagram.
Looking for an online game? Visit the Discord server or Reddit page and get involved with the lively Steel Division 2 community!
As always, see you on the battlefield, commander!
Happy New Year!
Hello commanders,
It’s good to be back! We hope the holidays have recharged your batteries, it sure did for the Eugen team! While we don’t have much news to show you in 2024’s first Steel Division 2 DevBlog, rest assured that we have started the new year rock ‘n rolling.
A short update on Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44
A quick update on our upcoming Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 expansion. We are currently testing all the divisions with our Strike Team while the artists are hard at work polishing the last new models and reskinning existing units. We hope to share more new and exciting things with you soon!
We also took that opportunity to fix the missing Motor Rifles models for UK, with their specific headgear. They will be "retrofitted" to existing Motor Rifles units ingame.
And, cherry on the cake, we created some models in armoured personnel's outfits to interspersed among 7th Armoured's infantry units to represent their veteran status.
Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus
If you want to catch up on Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, we have a handy forum post linking to all previous
Tribute to Normandy '44 - Unit Showcase #2
Hello, commanders!
Welcome back to the last Steel Division 2 DevBlog of the year! We’ll leave you for the Christmas break, meaning no DevBlogs for two weeks. We’ll be back in full force in the new year, with new posts starting in the second week of January.
Before we leave, we wanted to share the latest work of our upcoming Tribute to Steel Division: Normandy 44 expansion. In today’s showcase, we’ll look at some of the new infantry models coming to Steel Division 2.
Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 New Infantry
The new expansion will bring several new soldier models. What can you expect?
Axis
MILICE
Originally, we planned to only add one unit of the French collaborationist MILICE to the Axis Festungs Gross-Paris. They are all dressed as civilians to represent the “rooftop shooters” who harassed the liberating Allied troops after they had entered Paris and secured most of the city. These Miliciens were die-hard collaborators, ready to go out in flames, knowing that the fate that awaited them once captured… was not pretty. In-game, we intended the MILICE to be medium-sized sniper recon squads.
After extra research, it seems that more Milice units remained in the city and fought attached to German units. How many is hard to tell, but there were a handful. That’s why we modeled additional uniformed Miliciens (using a variation of the Chasseurs Alpins outfits), adding two more Combat Phase A-only squads. Our “rooftop” snipers will only be available in Phase B.
SS soldiers from the 1. SS-Panzerdivision “Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler” wore a distinctive camouflage pattern. This is the same pattern used by the “Wiking” models currently in-game, called Eichenlaub Muster (or “Oak Leaf”), but with a twist. While the Wiking camouflage models the “Spring” variant, the LSSAH uniform features the “Autumn” version. It is the same pattern but using different colors, the “LSSAH” variant being more brown and orange.
In-game, the new camouflage uniforms will be found on all the LSSAH infantry units.
Allied
FILTHY THIRTEEN
A famous infantry unit from the D-Day preparations, with pictures of Mohawk-styled American paratroopers frequently found in history books. However, the origin of the unit is rather obscure. The Filthy Thirteen was a single demolition squad with special training, tasked with infiltrating behind enemy lines on D-Day. They were to destroy key infrastructure.
The FILTHY THIRTEEN will be featured as an elite recon squad acting as infiltrators and explosive experts with the US 101st Airborne Division.
SAS
Making their return from the original Steel Division: Normandy ‘44, the French SAS are wearing British airborne fatigues. They bring their own black berets, brightened in true French flamboyance with some more fashionable bandanas for snipers and scouts and Marine Nationale caps for officers.
Ingame, those models will be found within DBSAS with all SAS squads.
Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44 Versus
If you want to read more about the new divisions to be shipped with Steel Division: Tribute to Normandy ‘44, we have a handy forum post linking to all previous
